Pizza Pucks are back: Restaurant's return brings crowds

Six years after closing its doors, Pizza Pucks has returned to Vacaville.

And the return is receiving a very warm welcome, judging by all the customers packing the East Monte Vista Avenue/Dobbins Street eatery since its soft opening last week.

"We weren't expecting it," said owner Eric Frakes. "The numbers are a lot better than when we were previously open. ... It's had a lot of support from a lot of local people."

Technically, the restaurant won't be officially open until around month's end. But customers craving a tempting round of cheesy pizza with all the toppings can nonetheless stop in for a bite while store staff are getting their sea legs.

With 30 employees learning their way around the business, Frakes cautioned, wait times can get a little hairy. But thus far, no one's seemed to mind.

"We've been seeing 200-400 people a day," he said. "It's been crazy. For the most part, it's all been awesome."

Especially since no advertising has been done, the owner pointed out.

"It's been social networking, people coming in and telling their friends," he said.

Thus far,wait times have significantly improved, decreasing from an hour and a half last Thursday to 15 minutes on Tuesday. The goal is to lower that time even more, to between 7-10 minutes.

The menu, too, is a work in progress, with 80 percent available now and the rest being phased in.

Frakes created the first pizza puck way back in 2001. It was a hit, and franchise eateries opened up throughout Solano County and other Northern California locations in 2006.

An expansion to Southern California and other areas was planned, but a medical emergency experienced by a key player derailed the project. A year later, all of the locations closed.

Still, there was always a hope of reopening. Fans long waxed poetic about the pizza puck and, awhile back, were rewarded with good news. A Facebook page announced an impending return in a spot that last housed Posh Couture Cakes. Officials asked fans for input on everything from the menu to the decor and then followed through. Earlier this year, work began on the building, both interior and exterior. Landscaping, too, was done.

Two last things remain -- opening the drive through, which is expected to happen soon, and illuminating the official "open" sign.

Right now, operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., to be evaluated in the future.

The eatery will be open today, as well -- just in time for holiday crowds.